Islamabad, October 18, 2025:
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a strong warning to Kabul, saying all Afghans living in Pakistan must return home. His statement came as border tensions rose and a fragile ceasefire between the two countries neared its end.
Asif said on social media that Pakistan could no longer afford to host Afghan nationals and that the old relationship with Afghanistan was over.
“All Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return to their homeland. They now have their own government, their own caliphate in Kabul,” Asif said. “Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis.”
Ceasefire Ends Amid Fresh Airstrike Claims
A 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan expired on Friday evening. Reports suggested that both sides later agreed to extend it, but the situation stayed tense.
According to AFP, the Taliban accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, near the Durand Line.
A Taliban official claimed the truce had been broken after these strikes. The group said Pakistani forces hit residential areas and killed civilians.
Pakistan denied those claims, saying its forces only targeted TTP militants who were attacking Pakistan from inside Afghanistan.
“No More Appeals for Peace,” Says Asif
Asif said Pakistan had shown “patience for years” but had seen no positive action from Kabul. He revealed that Islamabad had already sent 836 protest notes and 13 formal complaints to the Afghan side.
“There will no longer be protest notes or appeals for peace,” Asif said. “Wherever terrorism comes from, it will face a strong response.”
His comments mark a major shift in Pakistan’s approach, replacing diplomacy with a harder stance focused on security and self-reliance.
Asif Accuses Kabul of Working With India
The Defence Minister also accused the Taliban government of acting as India’s proxy.
He claimed that Kabul and New Delhi were working together with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to destabilize Pakistan.
“The rulers of Kabul, who now sit in India’s lap and conspire against Pakistan, once lived under our protection,” Asif said.
His words reflected Pakistan’s growing frustration with the Taliban since their return to power in 2021.
Pakistan Warns of a Firm Response
Asif warned that Pakistan would respond strongly to any cross-border aggression.
Earlier this week, he said Pakistan was ready to meet the Taliban’s “wish for war” if they sought conflict.
He also highlighted the toll terrorism has taken on Pakistan.
Since 2021, 10,347 terror attacks have killed 3,844 people, including civilians and security personnel.
“Self-respecting nations do not thrive on foreign land and resources,” Asif added.
Rising Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of harbouring militants responsible for attacks inside its territory.
The Taliban, however, denies the allegations, saying Afghan soil is not being used against any neighbour.
Analysts say the latest remarks mark one of the lowest points in ties between the two nations.
As both sides prepare for talks in Doha, the outcome remains uncertain.
For now, Asif’s message is clear — Pakistan will act first to protect its people and borders.
